I have been knitting. Promise. Just slow going for some reason. (Um, hello summer.)

I really liked this pattern (Lace Motif Cardigan out of this book) and adore the finished sweater. Again, a little detail is just enough to keep it interesting. I made the size 6 months. The pattern called for 3 balls of Cascade 220 Superwash (where was that yummy yarn when my children were babies!) however, I only used 2 balls. Actually, less than 2. (Color 914A.)

Just wait till you see what I'm finishing up to go with it. (Not going to bed until I do.)

Julia Roberts. Just when you thought you couldn't love her (and her laugh) any more.Did you know she is a fellow knitter?Yep, knits on the set all of the time. She has been quoted as saying, "You know I'm like a total geek, right? First of all, I sit on the set and knit. It's a very social hobby, as opposed to reading at work - I can chat with people and still be fully engaged."Right on, Julia. Not a geek at all. In my eyes, even cooler!Anyhow, Tom Hanks, co-star and director, played a prank on actress Julia Roberts while shooting their new film Larry Crowne.Check it out:

Oscar® winners Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts reunite for a dramatic comedy about how the hard knocks from today’s recession inspire one everyday guy to undergo a personal reinvention: Larry Crowne.

Until he was downsized, affable, amiable Larry Crowne (Hanks) was a superstar team leader at the big-box company where he’s worked since his time in the Navy. Underwater on his mortgage and unclear on what to do with his suddenly free days, Larry heads to his local college to start over. There he becomes part of a colorful community of outcasts, also-rans and the overlooked all trying to find a better future for themselves…often moving around town in a herd of scooters. In his public-speaking class, Larry develops an unexpected crush on his teacher Mercedes Tainot (Roberts), who has lost as much passion for teaching as she has for her husband.

The simple guy who has every reason to think his life has stalled will come to learn an unexpected lesson: when you think everything worth having has passed you by, you just might discover your reason to live.

Want to see it? Me too! Guess what?

Universal Pictures would like to give away one, $25 Fandango Gift Card to see Larry Crowne & a Larry Crown t-shirt and notebook, to one of my readers!

So, if interested, please leave a comment before 12pm EST on Monday the 18th and I'll have the random number generator choose a name.

I was recently contacted by an aspiring writer, Ryan Halston, (Ryan! Is six weeks still recent?! I am so sorry it took me so long!) to post an article he wrote regarding clothing construction.

So, read if you would like. I know Ryan would like it. And, if you would like to give him writing advice, feel free. He would love it.

Please, don't let on that us knitters don't knit to save oodles of cash. (We all know how expensive knitting is. I still get those occasional, "Oh, you must save so much money knitting your own sweaters!" remarks. I just politely smile.) We should just keep that our little secret.

The following article was written by Ryan Halston:

The Many Benefits of Clothing Construction

Embarking on the journey to learn how to knit clothing has many great benefits. Not only is it an antiquated craft with a rich tradition, but many aspects that made knitting popular throughout history are still applicable today. Developing the skills to knit or sew can be unbelievably advantageous to improving your life. These skills can save you money, ensure you have control of the materials from start to finish, and save quite a bit of money, not to mention leave you with a prideful feeling of accomplishment.

Knitting is a great way to take time for yourself and develop a connection with the mind and spirit, and has even been scientifically shown to stimulate interaction between the left and right sides of the brain. The coordination between both hands used to knit effectively gets both sides of the brain processing the same or similar information, and can help to provide relief for medical issues like high blood pressure, cardiovascular problems, high stress, and even insomnia.

Other extensive benefits of clothing construction through knitting are the amount of money you can save, and the satisfaction and health benefits that come along with knowing exactly what materials have gone into the making of your garments. Though at first it may seem like fabric is more expensive than purchasing a single garment, fabrics can be bought in bulk and ultimately save you money in the long run, not to mention you’ll actually know what has gone into the making of the clothes.

Mass produced clothing is often made from manufactured cottony that is grown and harvested using harmful fertilizers, pesticides and other potentially toxic chemicals. This can be especially concerning for thrift and antique shoppers perusing wares that could even be composed using toxic asbestos fibers. Asbestos was widely used in a number of products including clothing up until the early 1980’s when the dangers associated with asbestos exposure became more widespread.

Fortunately with the diversity of options in natural clothing materials, as well as having a wide variety of options in styles for the whole family, knitting and clothing construction can really help prevent a lot of associate health issues that can stem from coming in contact with these substances.

Finally, knitting can help you find companionship. It’s really fun to knit, and even more so to knit with others! No matter your location, knitting is such a widespread interested that you’d have to be pretty hard pressed not to find a knitting circle or group to join. These groups are fantastic ways to show off what you know, or just get support from others if you’re just learning the skill.

Though knitting your own clothing may take some more effort than just walking into your favorite store and pulling something off of the rack, the beneficial properties from knitting and clothing construction are well worth the effort. Ensuring you’re not wearing something harmful, saving a bit of cash, and even controlling and developing your own personal style are well worth it.

Happy Fourth.Happy Fifth.The kids and I traveled to Florida to spend the week with my parents. My sisters, niece and nephew and dog traveled, too.

Big plans to have one last "hoorah!" in my parents home.

The home they built.

The home that became a bit too big.

The home that came a bit too much to take care of.There were things to organize.

Things to throw away.

Things to pack.

"Treasures" saved.

"Treasures" then thrown away."Treasures" pulled out of the garbage and photographed by Libby. (A cake topper that was used on all of our birthday cakes over the years. )

My sisters and I had more breakdowns than we care to admit. And only by the strength of my mother did we get through them. (Like so many other times in our lives.) My mothers attitude amazes and inspires us all of the time.

She explained that they are ready for a new adventure.A new spark in their lives.We totally dig that.Happy July!